Representational image
Kochi:
Extension of the Kochi Metro Project from Pettah to Tripunithura was under the consideration of the Centre, Urban Development Minister Venkaiah Naidu said today.
Mr Naidu was speaking after reviewing the progress of the Rs 5181 crore project of about 25.612 km from Aluva to Pettah stretch.
On the proposed second phase extension to Kochi airport and Kakkanad, the minister said government was inclined to support the proposal, but only after their viability and financial feasibility are worked out.
"We will be inclined to support the scheme, but provided the details are worked out and then viablity and financial feasiblity has to be studied', the minister said.
Kochi is a prestigious city and it can become a smart city also and the expansion of the metro will add to its beauty and raise its importance as it was providing livelihood to many people across the state, he said.
Kochi Metro Rail Ltd Managing Director, Elias George informed the minister about the issues regarding funding.
Though KRML had sought Rs 800 crore as equity this year, the Centre had so far given only Rs 400 crore, KMRL sources said. The KMRL has sought for Rs 400 crore more.
The KMRL also submitted a Rs 57 crore project for reviving water transport to the minister. This project has already got the sanction of the state government.
A Kochi Metro press release said the Union Minister agreed to consider the proposal of water transport project, for which KMRL has already submitted a project report of Rs 52 crore to the Ministry.
Mr Naidu said that since JNNURM no longer exists, the proposal would be considered in the new scheme which would be announced soon.
The Minister was also presented with KMRL's plan to develop a state-of-the-art eco-friendly smart city within the city at Kakkanad in about 18 acres.
Mr Naidu also said he was happy to note that the project would be completed within the stipulated time schedule and also the original estimate and expressed complete satisfaction with progress of the work.
Mr Naidu was speaking after reviewing the progress of the Rs 5181 crore project of about 25.612 km from Aluva to Pettah stretch.
On the proposed second phase extension to Kochi airport and Kakkanad, the minister said government was inclined to support the proposal, but only after their viability and financial feasibility are worked out.
"We will be inclined to support the scheme, but provided the details are worked out and then viablity and financial feasiblity has to be studied', the minister said.
Kochi is a prestigious city and it can become a smart city also and the expansion of the metro will add to its beauty and raise its importance as it was providing livelihood to many people across the state, he said.
Kochi Metro Rail Ltd Managing Director, Elias George informed the minister about the issues regarding funding.
Though KRML had sought Rs 800 crore as equity this year, the Centre had so far given only Rs 400 crore, KMRL sources said. The KMRL has sought for Rs 400 crore more.
The KMRL also submitted a Rs 57 crore project for reviving water transport to the minister. This project has already got the sanction of the state government.
A Kochi Metro press release said the Union Minister agreed to consider the proposal of water transport project, for which KMRL has already submitted a project report of Rs 52 crore to the Ministry.
Mr Naidu said that since JNNURM no longer exists, the proposal would be considered in the new scheme which would be announced soon.
The Minister was also presented with KMRL's plan to develop a state-of-the-art eco-friendly smart city within the city at Kakkanad in about 18 acres.
Mr Naidu also said he was happy to note that the project would be completed within the stipulated time schedule and also the original estimate and expressed complete satisfaction with progress of the work.
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